Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Collins,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USCG. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 7, 2024

Sgt John J Collins was my beloved cousin. In my family he was the oldest. Every one of us looked up to him. He was kind and loving to his parents. Loved his family, especially his wife and children. When I was a youngster we idolized him. All of our parents, his Aunts and Uncles, were so proud of him.
On a side note, Jack was gorgeous with the Irish skin, black hair and a beautiful grin.
Before he joined the Coast Guard he was a body builder. He met his future wife while in the service. Joyce was as beautiful as he was handsome. They were a golden couple.
On the morning of Jacks death, I was up at 5:30 listening to WGN radio and heard Wally Phillips announce the the accident of a task force Sgt and since Jack was one of four it frightened me. My brother Jim was working out of 10 and I called him immediately, but no answer. This was long before cell phones.
He dis call me later and said that the CPD Chaplain asked Jim to accompany him for the inevitable visit to Jacks loving parents.
By this time I understood that Jack was gone.
It was devastating to our whole family.
The City of Chicago and the St. Jude League, Police friends, were all represented. As were family friends. It was a hell of an Irish send off!
I am writing all of this because I've read that Jacks grandson has written here and I thought I would give him a bit of perspective on his grandfather. Please know that your fad was every to our family!
As an addendum, as in most Irish Catholic families, Jacks Dad, my uncle Johnny, owned a great family neighborhood bar. Feel free to find me on Facebook. Judy Liston Gross

Judy Liston Gross
Loving Cousin

January 7, 2023

Your grandfather was a Cops “Cop”. It was my honor to work for him in A/2 Task Force. He is remembered and revered.

Skip Dorn, Ret. Det. CPD
CPD

June 8, 2022

John “Jack” Colins is my grandfather I never had the honor of knowing... having been adopted at birth I was recently reunited with my bio-mom through AncestryDNA. John Collins is her father. She was a police officer as well. Turns out I am a 3rd generation Irish cop. I always knew there was something...
I am both extremely sad and proud on this 36th anniversary of his passing.

Officer David Norman
Phoenix Police Department

February 7, 2020

I would love to know if this officer had any family living near Sanford NC in the early to mid 90's. The reason I ask; In 1994 I attended BLET at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC. At graduation, I received an award for being the Class Sharpshooter. I received the Officer J.J. Collins Jr award. Doing my research, I was hoping Sgt. Collins was the person named for the award. If it is, it was an honor receiving an award bearing his name.

Sergeant E.T. Suttles
NCSHP

May 18, 2019

I miss you everyday Dad.

JJC
Daughter

February 7, 2019

RIP Sgt.

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

Rest in Peace brother.

Officer
Oakland PD

February 7, 2013

It has been 29 years but your contribution will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

January 6, 2013

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Collins. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and you will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 7, 2012

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. My heart goes out to your children and all who have missed you in their lives.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 7, 2011

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedication to law enforcment and your service to others. You will never be forgotten as true heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 7, 2011

I worked with you in Area 4 SOG. I remember you as a very good police sergeant respected by your officers and peers. I also remember you had a great sense of humor and a very big laugh. Rest in Peace John. You have not been forgotten. May God bless your family.

Retired Chief of Police Gene Karczewski
CPD and Riverside PD (retired)

December 19, 2010

Rest in Peace, Sgt.

I am thinking of you today,

your brother in blue

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department

June 15, 2009

You are not forgotten.

Your still a HERO!

Godspeed.

Officer #5351
USCBP

September 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK KYOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED 27 YEARS OF SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 5, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 30, 2007

We will not let you be forgotten. Rest in peace, my brother.

POMFCC

March 10, 2004